A Cruise Experts Incredible Journey Onboard Iona

Join our cruise expert, Alison, as she takes you aboard the magnificent Iona for a Northern Cities adventure. In this blog, Alison shares her first hand experience onboard Iona, from the stunning balcony cabin to the delectable dining options, vibrant entertainment, and moments of relaxation.

Our journey began in Preston, where we boarded a luxury coach bound for Southampton. The trip, which included just one stop, seemed to fly by, though it actually took a little over five hours. With no stress of driving ourselves, the comfort and convenience of the coach set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Upon arrival, embarkation at Southampton was impressively smooth. As passengers on an official coach, we were fast tracked, allowing us to check in and clear security in under 25 minutes. Soon, we were stepping aboard P&O’s Iona, ready to experience the Northern Cities itinerary, which included stops at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Zeebrugge, and Le Havre.

First Impressions of Iona

Stepping onboard, my first thought was simply, wow. Iona is a P&O Excel class ship that entered service in 2021. With a massive 184,000 tonnes of elegance, the ship can host 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew members across its 19 decks. Initially, I was a bit sceptical about navigating such a large ship, but I was quickly won over by its modern design and the sheer range of amenities.

Our accommodation was a Standard Balcony cabin, located just below the Bridge at the very front of the ship, providing the same incredible views as the Captain! The cabin was thoughtfully equipped with a dressing table, wardrobe, a comfortable sofa, a fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a spacious bathroom with a shower. The balcony was a delightful bonus for sunny days, and the British 3-pin plugs meant no fiddling with adapters.

Positioned near the forward stairs and just below the Horizon restaurant, our cabin offered easy access to key public areas on decks 6, 7, and 8. It was an ideal location that made exploring the ship a breeze.

Dining Onboard

Dining on Iona was a highlight of the trip, with an array of options that delighted every palate.

• Epicurean Restaurant: Fine dining at its best, offering beautifully crafted dishes.
• Hook, Line & Vinegar: A classic British fish and chip shop located in The Quays, serving crisp, freshly cooked meals.
• Sindhu: A standout for me, this restaurant brought Indian flavours to life in a luxurious setting.
• The Olive Grove: Mediterranean inspired cuisine, my king prawn paella was absolutely divine.
• The Limelight Club: A three course dinner paired with live music and dancing, making for a lively, unforgettable evening.
• Keel & Cow: The steak here was a tender, flavourful delight.
• The Glass House: Perfect for tapas and wine lovers, offering small plates that were simply exquisite.

With so many choices, every meal felt like a special occasion.

Entertainment

The entertainment onboard was equally impressive.

• The Sky Dome: By day, it’s a tranquil swimming pool and relaxation area, but at night, it transforms into an entertainment hub, showcasing juggling and acrobatic acts under the stars.
• The Club Lounge: A versatile venue hosting live entertainment, quizzes, and race nights.
• The Crow’s Nest: A piano bar with a soothing atmosphere, perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
• Brodie’s Bar: A lively spot for quizzes, karaoke, and gaming at the casino.
• The 710 Club: Gary Barlow’s bar onboard Iona, featuring live music picked by the great musician himself, this venue became a nightly favourite.

Every evening offered a new way to unwind and enjoy the vibrant energy of the ship.

Relaxation and Shopping

For moments of relaxation, the onboard spa provided a welcome escape after a week of exploration. On our last evening, we indulged in a little retail therapy, using our onboard credit in the tax free shops. From perfumes to high street clothing brands, the selection made it all too easy to spend!

Iona exceeded all my expectations. Its blend of modern amenities, exceptional dining, world class entertainment, and thoughtful design makes it a perfect choice for solo travellers, couples, families, and multi-generational groups. With so much to see and do, one week simply wasn’t enough.

I’ll undoubtedly be returning to Iona soon to experience even more of what this remarkable ship has to offer.

Please note: Gary Barlow and P&O Cruises’ partnership ended 4 December 2024.